With less than three weeks to go until the start of the Tilley Endurables Falmouth Classics 2018, the Falmouth Classics Association is pleased to announce an opportunity to view and tour the stunning ‘Vigilance of Brixham’ -a classic Brixham sailing trawler during this summer’s event.

‘Vigilance of Brixham’, which is one of the participating boats this year, is acting as an ‘open boat’ during the two Falmouth Haven pontoon public opening sessions on Saturday 23rd June.

Access to the Haven pontoons and a tour of the boat are free, however donations are strongly encouraged. All donations collected during the morning opening of the pontoons to the public (9:00 – 10:30am) will go to the RNLI, and during the afternoon (4:00 – 6:00pm) to another local charity, Coast Medic. Coast Medic is the only UK charity that provides fully qualified medical aid at sea. The Haven Pontoon will be open for 50 people at any one time.

Launched in 1926, Vigilance was the last sailing trawler built at Upham’s Yard, Brixham. She fished commercially until 1937 and acted as a Barrage Balloon support vessel during the Second World War. She has since worked as a private yacht and been used for surveying and adventure training.

Vigilance is included on the National Register of Historic Vessels (No. 741) and is part of the UK Historic Fleet.

“We are delighted to be taking part in the Falmouth Classics and the crew is looking forward to welcoming visitors on board. Vigilance is the only vessel in Brixham’s heritage fleet that’s run entirely by volunteers and we take pride in her preservation and being able to show her off at events like this.”

John Davison, Chairman of the Falmouth Classics Association, says:

“Vigilance of Brixham is a beautiful example of a classic working boat and we’re thrilled that she will be open to members of the public to view her whilst moored at the Haven Pontoons. What a brilliant opportunity to see a sailing Brixham trawler up close!”

Purchased by a consortium of largely Brixham people, Vigilance of Brixham was brought back to her homeport in 1997, where her restoration was completed.

Currently, Vigilance runs visitor sails, charters and voyages to festivals and is available for private hire. All income made from sailing is used exclusively to conserve her and keep her sailing. She is supported by “The Friends of the Vigilance” charity.

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